You should learn as much as you can, and get the best grades that you can while in school. After high school, you should attend college if at all possible. If you can, earn a four year degree. The more college you have, the better! Many police departments require their officers to have college. Also, having a degree will help you get promoted after you become a police officer.

In Pennsylvania, the police academy (Act 120 Training) consists of over 700 hours of instruction / training. There are several municipal police academies in Pennsylvania. They are operated by colleges or universities or large police departments. If you qualify, you can enroll in the training. The tuition is usually approximately $4,000. Some police departments will hire you, and then send you to the academy. They would pay for you to attend the academy, and pay you while you were in the academy. You should consider becoming a Pennsylvania State Police Trooper.

Visit the websites of some larger police departments in the state and visit the Pennsylvania State Police website. There are law enforcement officer jobs in Pennsylvania other than state or local police officer positions that might interest you. For example, waterways conservation officer, wildlife conservation officer, constable, or deputy sheriff. You could also become a police officer employed by the federal government working in Pennsylvania such as a Department of Veterans Affairs Police Officer.

SWATGuest

Subject: Re: How can I become a cop in PA? Sun Jan 25, 2009 7:52 pm

Badge101 gave great info. I would get a bachelor degree, then apply with some of the bigger depts. in PA. Let them send you to the academy to save some cash!